Overview

After being bitten by a black widow spider, you may have painful swelling around the bite. You may also notice cramps, muscle spasms, and achiness, and you may be sick to your stomach.

These symptoms may get worse for up to about 12 hours after you were bitten. Then they should start to go away. It may take a few days or weeks before all the pain goes away.

Black widow spiders are usually found throughout southern Canada, the United States, and Mexico. They live in low-lying webs in garages, in barbecue grills, around swimming pools, and in wood piles. Most bites occur in rural and suburban areas between the months of April and October. These spiders tend to bite when their webs are disturbed. Bites to babies and children may be more serious than bites to adults.

Medicine to counteract black widow spider venom (antivenom) is available, but it is rarely used.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin), to calm the itching and reduce the swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the bite for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• If your doctor told you how to care for the bite, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the bite area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the bite with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.